Orangeburg (SC) Church of Christ Audio

In John’s gospel account, he refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.”  He also emphasized Jesus’ teachings on love in a number of place. And in 1 John, he has already spoken of love on more than one occasion, but in Chapter 4 he really emphasizes the theme, and how God’s love should impact our lives.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Sometimes, when Christians learn from 2 Peter 2 that there were angels who sinned, a sense of fear sets in wondering, “What if that happens to me in heaven?”  Our goal for this lesson is to answer the question and give hope that we do not have to worry about ending up like those angels once we are at home with our Father.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

The writer of Hebrews has established that we have a great high priest in Christ, and that he has opened the way for us to draw near to God.  Having that assurance, we are encouraged to draw near, to hold tight to our faith, and the help “sharpen” one another so that we can serve as we should in the kingdom.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

Perhaps there is no name in Scripture as synonymous with faith as that of Abraham.  Throughout the story of Abraham that we read in Genesis, Abraham shows again and again the strength of his faith in God.  Even at times when he showed weakness, he ultimately proved himself to be a man of great faith.

Teacher: Matt Burleson

Once again, John’s emphasis on true knowledge come to the forefront as he warns his readers about those who teach what is false.  Though we know that we have God’s Spirit, it is ever important to be on the lookout for those who teach and do that which is not in accordance with truth. 

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Jesus is our great High Priest.  He now sits at the right hand of God, ministering on our behalf as the mediator of a new and better covenant.  He has opened the door of access to God, and gives us opportunity through the New Covenant to know God and to have our sins truly and completely forgiven.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley

The blessed gospel is for all, the gospel is for all.  Where sin has gone must go his grace the gospel is for all. As the first Gentiles were added to the church, it became clear through the words of the apostle Peter that that gospel which he preached was indeed for all people.  All people should have equal opportunity to hear the gospel, and no one can be excluded from the church if they will come to Jesus in obedient faith.

Speaker: Justin P Sivley

Faith without works is dead.  Faith without works is not a real faith, and that is demonstrated throughout Hebrews 11. Those who are commended for their faith in Hebrews 11, like Noah, are commended because they acted on their faith.  Noah knew little about what God was about to bring on the earth in Genesis 6, but he obeyed God and built the ark anyway, and he and his family were saved.  In Christ and his church, God has given us an “ark,” outside of which no one will be saved.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

Love is a central theme to John’s writings, especially in the letters. Of the more than 70 times that John talks about love in his writings, over half of them are in 1-3 John, with many of those occuring in 1 John 3-4.  Love was commanded by our savior, and it is a proof of our having been born again.  Ultimately our love for our brethren gives us confidence before God, to stand before him and not be afraid.

Teacher: Justin P. Sivley

The Christians that are being addressed by the writer of Hebrews had been part of the body of Christ for a while, long enough at least that the writer rebuked them for failing to mature. Where they should have been teaching others, they needed to be taught the basics again. We don’t want to be like those Christians, but we want to go on to maturity, letting their shortcoming teach us what to avoid, and how to walk in maturity with Christ.

Speaker: Justin P. Sivley